Intel Does it Again: Winter Olympics Drone Light Show Breaks Record

Malek Murison

2 weeks ago

There’s something nice about the combination of old and new. Today Intel’s shooting star drones have provided a modern twist above one of sport’s most iconic traditions: The Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony.

And they did it in style. 1,218 of Intel’s Shooting Star drones created yet another record-breaking display as they featured in the PyeongChang 2018 Opening Ceremony. It’s a new PB for Intel’s team for the most drones flown simultaneously.

As was the case with a similar aerial stunt performed at the Super Bowl last year, the world record flight was prerecorded for the event. Three hundred Intel Shooting Star drones were supposed to fly live, but poor conditions kept them grounded.

The record-breaking light show surpasses Intel’s previous record of 500 drones flown at one time in Germany in 2016. The lights used for the opening ceremony will be bolstered by nightly victory ceremony performances, which include animations of different sports and various Olympic-related logos.

“The Olympics are a time when the sports and entertainment industries are buzzing with record-setting performances, so it was the perfect stage for Intel Shooting Star drones and our team to set their own kind of record,” said Natalie Cheung, general manager of Intel’s drone light show team.

“It’s an honor to celebrate athletes from every corner of the world during the Opening Ceremony and victory ceremonies, and we hope that the nightly Intel drone light shows add to the magic of this unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

“It’s been exciting for us to partner with Intel on the Winter Olympics, as they continue to push the limits with their advanced drone light show technologies,” said Sam Prosser, commercial director EMEA APAC Guinness World Records.

“From flying 100 drones simultaneously in 2015, to 500 drones in 2016, and now more than 1,000 drones – the sky is the limit with entertaining through Intel drone light shows.”

Intel’s Shooting Star Drones

Intel’s Shooting Star drones are specifically designed for entertainment purposes. Each is kitted out with LED lights and capable of creating more than 4 billion color combinations. They can be easily programmed for any animation.

The fleet of drones is overseen by a single pilot.

“We are honored to have Intel drones playing several roles at the Olympic Games,” said Anil Nanduri, vice president and general manager, Intel Drone Group. “Not unlike the athletes competing in the events, we continue to push to innovate and develop the drone technologies that inspire people all over the world.”